I need to find magnitudes of forces

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ryuk1990
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Forces Magnitudes
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for two force components given a resultant force of 4200 N at an angle of 28 degrees from the positive y-axis. The first force is at 45 degrees to the right of the resultant, while the second force is at 20 degrees to the left of the positive y-axis. The user sets up the equations for the x and y components of the forces as follows: Force X: F1*cos(17°) + 4200*sin(28°) - F2*cos(20°) = 0 and Force Y: F1*sin(17°) + 4200*cos(28°) + F2*cos(20°) = 0. The user seeks clarification on why the sum of the x and y forces must equal zero to satisfy equilibrium conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and angles
  • Knowledge of equilibrium conditions in mechanics
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of vector resolution in physics
  • Learn about equilibrium conditions and their applications in mechanics
  • Explore the use of trigonometric identities in force calculations
  • Practice solving simultaneous equations involving forces
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focused on mechanics and force analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of force component calculations.

Ryuk1990
Messages
157
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I got a resultant force 28 degrees to the right of the positive y axis. The resultant value is 4200 N. There is one force 45 degrees to the right of the resultant force. The second force is 20 degrees to the left of the positive y axis. All I want to know is how I'm supposed to set up the equations so that I can solve for the two force components.


The Attempt at a Solution



I started out by calculating that there is 17 degrees between the positive x-axis and the first force component.

Is this how I'm supposed to set up the equations?

Force X: F1*cos17o + 4200*sin28o - F2*cos20o = 0

Force Y: F1*sin17o + 4200*cos28o + F2*cos20o = 0
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are right.
 
Ok, just one more thing. Can you explain to me the theory behind this? I don't get why I have to set X and Y forces to 0.

If I plug in 0 and 0 for the resultant formula which is R = [tex]\sqrt{FX^2 + FY^2}[/tex], that doesn't equal 4200 which is what the resultant force is. This confuses me.
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
913
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
30
Views
4K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K